In this piece I want to elaborate on nutrition for your puppy, but also for when he is no longer a puppy and when he becomes an adult. We call a dog a puppy when he is not yet 12 months old. Then until the age of 9 he is adult, after that a dog becomes a senior.
The right nutrition for a dog's life... puppy food
When a puppy is about 2 to 3 months old, he will move into his future home and will usually be the only dog there. He suddenly has no brothers, sisters or mother anymore and has to make do with his owners. He is still a baby and that must be taken into account. It is therefore very important that he is handled with care, because it is precisely during this period that the impressions that are gained determine a great deal of the final behavior. Just like with babies, food is the basis for the growth of the body. The period of drinking milk is behind us. The puppy will learn to chew and smell what he eats. He gets to know various flavors and gets used to what is offered to him. During the first year of life, he will grow into an adult dog. It is important that there are as few defects as possible that hinder growth.
Fortunately, feeding dogs is a lot easier than feeding a baby. With the right kibble, the risks of mistakes and problems are minimal. The food offered in shops must comply with the European international guideline. This more or less provides certainty that all necessary proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals are present in sufficient quantities in the food. There are also maximums for a number of ingredients. Manufacturers give nutritional advice such as feeding 2 or 3 times a day and always providing fresh water. It couldn't be easier.
What's so special about puppy food?
For a puppy, it is very important that the protein content is somewhat higher than for adult dogs. Even more important is that the protein must be of good quality. The quality of protein is determined by the mix of amino acids that make up the protein. There must be sufficient amounts of the necessary amino acids in the daily diet. The same applies to fat, fatty acids and the building blocks. The amino acids and fatty acids are converted by the body into endogenous fats and endogenous proteins. I am getting a bit technical here, but the pet shop can explain it well if you ask for advice. Puppy food is therefore distinguished by a higher protein content and for large breeds, the calcium content must also be looked at. Too much calcium in the food for large breed puppies can cause growing pains. A puppy is an adult when it is 12 months old.
The right nutrition for a dog's life... adult dog food
After the puppy period, also called the socialization period, comes the longest period of life. This is a period of several years in which the body no longer really needs to grow. The food must provide the energy requirement for body temperature, functioning of the tissues, breathing, heart and movement. The colder the environment and the more movement, the more food must be taken in. In addition, protein is needed for the production of hair, nails and blood. The energy can be obtained most efficiently from fat in the food. On the other hand, it is also true that excess fat intake in the body causes overweight. The amount of food and the composition must be tailored to the needs of the body.
Working dogs and sporting dogs require food with a high fat content. This can be up to 18%. Remember that snacks, dental sticks and meat also contain fat. Supplements in minerals or vitamins are in principle not necessary for complete food. The legal regulations provide for this. For an adult dog, the requirements that the body places on food are less complicated than for a growing puppy. However, here too, the ingredients in food may not be a burden for the body. They only have to make a proven contribution. That sounds strange, but there are enough foods on the market that contain ingredients that make you wonder why they are in the food. I mention Yucca, natural cellulose, has it been proven that fresh vegetables and much more protein are useful for the body?
The right nutrition for a dog's life... senior dog food
When your dog reaches the age of 9, the body will start to change. From 9 years old, a dog is a senior. Slowly but surely, a number of bodily functions will decrease. This does not happen quickly. This is noticeable at some point.
Signs of old age in dogs include:
- the eyes may develop a gray glow (cataract);
- resigned behavior;
- stiff joints;
- gray hairs appear around the muzzle;
- hearing decreases;
- what is not always immediately noticeable, but develops slowly, is that kidney function deteriorates in many dogs;
- Eating extras in addition to normal food can more easily cause diarrhea.
Fortunately, these processes are slow, but it is good to think about them. In order to support the body of the senior, a proper nutritional composition can make life more pleasant. It can even prolong life. A good diet for a senior contains a reduced salt (0.25) and reduced protein (17%) content. The breakdown products of protein will cause the kidneys to deteriorate more quickly in the case of reduced kidney function. The dog will drink more, urinate more and lose weight. Therefore, do not give older dogs too much protein (meat). Furthermore, the food must be easily digestible. The stomach and intestines are more easily upset than in a young dog. In order to make it easier for the stomach and intestines, it is important to only give ingredients that contribute to the body.
By seriously following the right advice for the food and care of your dog, you will do him and yourself a great favor. You will get a lot in return. A lively companion who grows old healthily and has no or minimal ailments. The pet shop can help you perfectly with that.
Quality natural dog food
There is quite a difference in the quality of various dog food. The cheap supermarket brands usually do not contain sufficient nutrients and the quality of the food often leaves much to be desired. Cheap food often cannot be absorbed by your dog or is less well absorbed. As a result, your dog may not absorb all the nutrients it needs for good health. It is therefore best to choose a good brand of dog food.
The right nutrition for a dog's entire life!
Also read:
When is your puppy an adult and when a senior?
Why is puppy food good and necessary?
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